Governor Bob Riley Calls on Senate to Take Quick Action on "Brody Bill"

Governor Bob Riley Calls on Senate to Take Quick Action on "Brody Bill"

Governor Bob Riley on Wednesday called on the Senate to bring up the "Brody Bill" for a vote next week. The House passed the bill unanimously early in this legislative session.

"There is no reason to delay action on this important piece of legislation," Governor Riley said. "I want the Senate to bring it up for a vote. Passage of the "Brody Bill" will ensure that all life in Alabama, including unborn life, is protected from violent crime."

Current Alabama law does not recognize the murder or assault of an unborn victim. House Bill 19, sponsored by Rep. Spencer Collier (R - Irvington), changes that so the perpetrator of an attack on a pregnant woman could be charged with two murders if both the mother and unborn child are killed in the attack.

"I want to thank all of the legislators who have been working on this, but I especially want to thank Rep. Collier," Governor Riley said. "He has been trying for the past several years to get this measure through the legislature. I also want to thank Sen. Bradley Byrne (R - Baldwin County) for his efforts on this measure. Now we are finally on the verge of getting this needed change passed by the Senate."

The bill is now pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Thirty-two states already have similar measures in place. It is time for the Alabama Senate to take action and send the bill to me so I can sign it into law," Governor Riley said.

http://www.governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2006-02-22-03-brody.asp